In
the latter, which was a musical farce, a new performer was to come out,
of whom report spoke highly. Celeste consented, and after an early
dinner, we joined his lordship in his private box, which was above the
stage, on the first tier. The first piece was played, and Celeste, who
had never seen the performance of Young, was delighted. The curtain then
drew up for the second piece. In the second act, the new performer, a
Miss Henderson, was led by the manager on the stage; she was apparently
much frightened and excited, but three rounds of applause gave her
courage, and she proceeded. At the very first notes of her voice I was
startled, and O'Brien, who was behind, threw himself forward to look at
her; but as we were almost directly above, and her head was turned the
other way, we could not distinguish her features. As she proceeded in
her song, she gained courage, and her face was turned towards us, and
she cast her eyes up--saw me--the recognition was mutual--I held out my
arm, but could not speak--she staggered, and fell down in a swoon.
"'Tis Ellen!" cried O'Brien, rushing past me; and making one spring down
on the stage, he carried her off, before any other person could come to
her assistance. I followed him, and found him with Ellen still in his
arms, and the actresses assisting in her recovery. The manager came
forward to apologize, stating that the young lady was too ill to
proceed, and the audience, who had witnessed the behaviour of O'Brien
and myself, were satisfied with the romance in real life which had been
exhibited.
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